Stormy Waters
Matthew 8:23-27 – Jesus Calms the Storm
‘Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”
He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”
Dear Oscar
This excerpt from Matthew’s gospel is of course a lesson in faith. The men travelling with Jesus in the ship were experienced sailors, they had sailed the Sea of Galilee many times, and most were experienced fishermen who would have encountered stormy waters many times before. However, this storm was different, dangerous, turbulent, a tempest or a hurricane, perceived to have the potential to put those on board in real peril. So, even those experienced sailors and fishermen were out of their comfort zone, lost and terrified for their lives.
Jesus, fatigued, had fallen asleep. His disciples woke him and said, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” He could see they were losing their nerve, panicking, so he questioned their faith. “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” He then got up and ‘rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.’ Jesus Christ spoke to a raging storm and at his command it immediately stopped and the seas became tranquil again. Jesus’ physical body had been asleep but not his spiritual self. He wasn’t afraid or worried about his safety. He knew God’s Word and knew what he was destined to do and that his life and the lives of his men were not in jeopardy that day on the water.
The disciples had already seen many miraculous events, indeed Jesus had given them power and authority to carry out miraculous healings themselves. They knew who he was and there was no real reason at this point to be frightened. But their human nature prevailed and they lost their grasp on faith in that moment of fear and doubt. Jesus used the reaction of his disciples to challenge them and teach them to remain spiritually awake at all times and not to go to pieces when the windstorm rages, as fear is counterproductive and fear defeats faith. And faith, even as small as a mustard seed, can move mountains when it is focused, not on self, but on God and His mighty ability.
Oscar, your current situation is similar to that of the disciples in perilous seas. You know you are a precious, beloved, child of God and you know you know you have truth on your side. But the storm raging within you and around you is threatening, terrifying. You feel overwhelmed and it’s hard to hold your nerve. Of course, it would be easy for me, or anyone not in your shoes, to exhort you to have courage and hold fast to your faith. But, my dear boy, who if they were honest, would not be doubtful and fearful in your position? So, when you feel overwhelmed, when the storm clouds gather overhead and fear threatens to diminish your faith, then remember and take comfort from Jesus’ response to the disciples request for help, despite their human failings and faltering faith. For spiritually, he is never asleep; he is ever watchful and waiting for those in need to approach him and to put their trust wholly in him. You have only to whisper with sincerity and he will hear your call, clear and loud. And with compassion and pure and unconditional love he will respond, he will challenge the winds and the waves of doubt and fear; he will still the storm raging around and within you and will delight in restoring peace and tranquillity to your troubled soul.
Oscar, the prayers of those who love you continue to join with yours and with God’s blessing you will know peace again. God willing that day will come soon.
With love
Heather
(olcpfriends)
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